Refrigeration is necessary for hard boiled eggs if the eggs are not to be consumed within a few hours.

It is preferable not to peel your eggs until you are ready to eat or use in your recipe. Hard-cooked eggs in the shell can be refrigerated up to one (1) week.

Peeled hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator in a bowl of cold water to cover for about 1 week (change the water daily) – or in a sealed container without water (cover the eggs with damp paper towels) for the same length of time.

SAFETY NOTE: It is not safe to leave hard-boiled eggs (including those in their shells) out at room temperature for long. If they have been taken to a picnic, or served on a buffet, keep them cool (in a cooler) while they are being served, and discard the leftovers.

Question:

You have an excellent site for eggs, however, I do not see what I’m looking for. Maybe you can answer a question that has come up at my work. I understand a hard boiled egg can be left in the refrigerator for one week, but how long will shelf-life be if you were to peel the boiled egg and then refrigerate it? Is it better to leave the shell on or take it off?

Answer:

Once eggs are cooked, they should be used within one week. It doesn’t matter if they are peeled or not. It is preferable not to peel them until you are ready to eat or use in your recipe. Peeled hard boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator in a bowl of cold water to cover for about 1 week (change the water daily) – or in a sealed container without water (cover the eggs with damp paper towels) for the same length of time.

SAFETY NOTE: It is not safe to leave hard boiled eggs (including those in their shells) out at room temperature for long. If they have been taken to a picnic, or served on a buffet, keep them cool while they are being served, and discard the leftovers.

We purchased hard-boiled eggs from a vendor, already peeled to be used for our breakfast for hotel guests. Each day the eggs are floated in hot water in a chaffing dish. The leftovers are returned to the refrigerator and place in the container with the still cold eggs. The next morning the eggs are placed and floated back in the hot water. Is this safe??

Answer:

Well, for one thing do you know how long the eggs have been previously hard boiled by the vendor? Once eggs are cooked, they should be used within one (1) week. It doesn’t matter if they are peeled or not. If is preferable not to peel them until you are ready to eat or use in your recipe. Peeled hard boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator in a bowl of cold water to cover for about 1 week (change the water daily).

SAFETY NOTE: It is not safe to leave hard boiled eggs (including those in their shells) out at room temperature for long (and especially in hot water). If they are being served on a buffet, keep them cool while they are being served, and discard the leftover eggs. You should not be putting the hard cooked eggs in hot water and then returning them to cold water. Eggs that have been in hot water and not used, should be thrown away for safety sake. It is always better to be safe than sorry!

Pierce, Karen

Joe Nelson

Thanks for your information and website. I’m a single senior bachelor and sometimes need the cooking help and food storage information. The answer gave me good information on “peeled” and “unpeeled” hard boiled eggs and their safe storage. Again, thank you!

Alkaianti

JimTx

You can also pickle your hard boiled eggs in a solution of half white vinegar, half water, and a tsp of salt. Add some pickling spice if you want some added flavor. They will keep for several weeks like this, no problem.

Costco actually sells pre-cooked and peeled hard boiled eggs that are the best I have tasted for pre-cooked. Many restaurants have to do these tricks with food to get them on the table to guests quicker.